System for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions

Abstract

System (1) for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygienic compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling material, wherein the inlet opening (30) is formed on the hygienic compartment (3). When used as intended one or more cans (2) can be assigned to the hygienic compartment (3) in such a way that it can be moved together with the can / cans (2) in the system (1). The system (1) comprises a seaming unit (7). The seaming unit (7) comprises a lid holder (71) and seaming rollers (72), wherein a filling tube (73) for filling the can (2) can be passed through the lid holder (71), in particular is passed through it. A platform (31) on which a can (2) can be placed is arranged in the hygienic compartment (3). When used as intended, the platform (31) with the can (2) can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening (30) for the filling material. The hygienic compartment (3) also comprises a casing (32) arranged around the platform (31) and a head plate (33). In order to be able to close the hygienic compartment (3), either the casing (32) can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening (30) up to the head plate (33) or the casing (32) can be attached to the head plate (33) in such a way that the platform (31) can be lifted into the casing (32).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions, in accordance with the preamble of the independent claims.

[0002] Various systems for filling and / or closing containers are known from the prior art. Purpose of the systems is to fill and close a large number of containers automatically. A particular challenge is to fill and close cans in the shortest possible time and under the highest hygienic conditions with a robust and safe system.

[0003] A system for sterile filling of products, in particular beverages, into bottles or similar containers is known from patent specification WO 2011 / 029609. For this purpose, containers are placed in an enclosure which forms a sterile room. The enclosure comprises both a device for filling the containers and a device for closing the containers. In a first step, the containers are filled with the corresponding beverage and then, in a second step, transferred via a container transfer device to the device for closing the containers. This procedure takes a lot of time and involves a great deal of effort and high costs in order to make the room in question a sterile environment.

[0004] Furthermore, document DE 197 39 326 describes a device for the treatment of beverage containers, which encloses the beverage containers in a housing during treatment, which is brought under sterile conditions. For this purpose, the beverage containers located on a conveyor belt are separated by gates. These gates form a closed compartment under sterile conditions when the beverage containers enter the device. A disadvantage of this device is that the conveyor belt must be stopped for the duration of the treatment.

[0005] A device for closing containers is known from DE 44 24 098. During the movement of the container along the transport path, the sealing cap is moved towards the container opening so that there is an access gap between the container opening and the sealing cap. The gap forms a treatment zone. In the treatment zone, a sterile treatment is carried out in the area of the container opening prior to the closing process. In this case, only the closing process of the containers takes place under sterile conditions. This has the disadvantage that the overall degree of sterilization during the filling process is not particularly high and the shelf life of the filling material may not be long.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,695,743 A describes a machine for filling containers with liquids under counterpressure. The machine comprises filling heads and a chamber whose open end receives the container. The back pressure is generated by a compressed gas, which also supports the valve operation within the head, while provisions are made to sterilize the crown caps or other closures. The closures and containers are kept in a sterile atmosphere until the closing process is complete.

[0007] A device for closing liquid containers is known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,356,510 A. For this purpose, a chamber receives at least a part of a container with an opening and fills it with the corresponding liquid under counterpressure. The container is then closed with a lid using a closing head located in the chamber.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,885,845 A describes an apparatus for the sterilization of containers and for closing the containers under sterile conditions. For this purpose, a cylinder that is open at the bottom is closed with a liftable platform. The closed space is first sterilized with hot gases before the desired filler is poured into the container from a reservoir. A crimping head is then lowered into the closed container to close it. The filled and closed container is then removed at an unloading station.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,972,214 A shows a system for aseptically closing bottles and other containers which have been filled with a sterilized liquid.

[0010] EP3757024 shows an installation for filling and closing of cans under hygienic conditions.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a system for filling and closing cans which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art or improves on the prior art. In particular, to create a system and a method that are robust and easy to use and that fill and close beverage cans in the shortest possible time and under the highest hygienic conditions.

[0012] This object is achieved by a system for filling and closing cans according to the independent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, the system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions comprises a hygienic compartment and an inlet opening for filling material, the inlet opening is formed on the hygienic compartment. When used as intended, one or more cans can be assigned to the hygienic compartment and the hygienic compartment can be moved together with the can / cans in the system.

[0014] According to a first embodiment of the invention, a seaming unit is arranged in the hygienic compartment. The seaming unit comprises a lid holder and seaming rollers. A filling tube can be passed through the lid holder to fill the can, in particular a filling tube is passed through it.

[0015] In this context, closing the can means at least placing a can lid on the can. By holding the lid down on the can or by connecting the can lid to the can by means of common joining techniques, preferably by seaming, it is ensured that the can remains closed for further processing.

[0016] The cans to be filled and closed in this system are cans that are filled with a liquid and / or a solid filling material. Preferably, these are beverage cans that are filled with a liquid material, in particular a beverage.

[0017] A hygienic compartment is defined here as a compartment that is closed off from its surroundings and maintained under hygienic conditions. Hygienic conditions are understood here to mean conditions that correspond to at least hygiene class I as defined according to the VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016). Preferably, the hygienic conditions are in compliance with hygiene class III or higher classified as defined according to VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016).

[0018] The lid holder can pick up the lid with the aid of a receiving mechanism and transport the lid to the can. The receiving mechanism can be a suction mechanism, a magnetic mechanism or a guiding system through which the lid is moved.

[0019] The advantages of the present system are that cans are filled and closed in such a way that their contents have a long shelf life and at the same time can be filled and closed very efficiently in terms of time. In addition, these conditions allow for pressure ratios to be optimized so that fast filling and lid application are possible even with foaming and dusting substances. An overpressure of up to 65 bar is used, preferably between 0-40 bar. This system is also very robust and allows for easy application.

[0020] Preferably, the filling tube is arranged movably in the seaming unit, in particular in the lid holder.

[0021] This has the advantage of an economical and space-saving system configuration, but at the same time also allows quick filling and subsequent cleaning of the filling tube which in turn results in optimized hygienic conditions.

[0022] Preferably, the filling tube comprises a steering device in an end region at the filling tube outlet. The steering device can be a device that divides the flow of filling material and ensures that the filling material follows a turbulence-reduced, laminar flow.

[0023] Steering devices can be: Grids of different designs, several essentially parallel pipes, rotating elements such as rotors, pumps, turbines, etc.

[0024] In this case, a turbulence-reduced laminar flow means that the foaming of liquids in particular is reduced to a minimum.

[0025] The advantage of such a steering device is that the product is subjected to a laminar flow, thus turbulence that slows down the filling process, can cause the filling material to foam (e.g. beer) and additionally contaminate the hygienic compartment because the filling material splashes out of the can and results in additional cleaning steps, is avoided.

[0026] The steering device is preferably designed in the form of a static steering device. Pipes or grids are particularly suitable as static steering devices.

[0027] Static steering devices have the advantage that they are simple components that are easy to install and easy to maintain.

[0028] Preferably, the steering device is designed in the form of an adjustable steering device. Rotors, turbines or pumps are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0029] Adjustable steering devices have the advantage that they can quickly and sustainably convert existing turbulent flows into laminar flows.

[0030] Preferably, the filling tube comprises one or more shut-off devices and / or dosing devices.

[0031] Shut-off devices and / or dosing devices can be formed in different versions with different tasks. Shut-off devices and / or dosing devices can be valves in particular.

[0032] The advantage of a filling tube with a shut-off device is that the shut-off devices regulate the flow of filling material in the filling tube.

[0033] Preferably, one of the shut-off devices is arranged at an end of the filling tube facing the can during intended use in order to open and close the filling tube.

[0034] Additional shut-off devices can be used to select whether filling material, cleaning liquids, inert gases (e.g. noble gases, to a certain extent also CO2 or N2, etc.) are passed through the filling tube. After filling a can, the filling tube can be blown out to remove any liquid residue to ensure that almost all liquid residue enters the can. If the shut-off device is located at the lower end of the filling tube, it is not indispensable to blow out the filling tube.

[0035] Shut-off devices for opening or closing can be pressure relief valves, pressure control valves, switching valves, load holding valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, etc.

[0036] The advantage of such a shut-off device is that it regulates whether product flows into the can or not. This prevents the can from overfilling.

[0037] Preferably, the filling tube comprises one or more shut-off devices or a feed element. In this case, one of the shut-off devices or the feed element is arranged at an end of the filling tube facing away from the can when the can is used as intended, in order to open and close the filling tube.

[0038] Shut-off devices for opening or closing can be pressure relief valves, pressure control valves, switching valves, load-holding valves, etc. A feed element can, for example, be a hose, a pipe, a line, a screw feeder, etc.

[0039] The advantage of such a shut-off device or feed element is that it regulates whether, how quickly and how much filling material can flow into the filling tube or not.

[0040] Preferably, the shut-off device or feed element is arranged at an end of the filling tube facing away from the can when it is used as intended is formed in such a way that solids (e.g. powder), liquids and / or gases can be introduced. The solids, liquids and / or gases are in particular filling materials, cleaning agents or disinfectants.

[0041] Examples of filling materials are beverages, CO2, N2, protective gases (e.g. noble gases) etc. Examples of cleaning agents are liquid cleaners, inert gases, water vapor, acids, alkalis, disinfectants, foaming agents, etc. Liquids can be introduced at temperatures <15° C. to near the freezing point of the liquid and also at temperatures up to the boiling point of the liquid (e.g. water vapor at up to 200° C.).

[0042] The fact that the shut-off device or feed element is formed in such a way that liquids and / or gases can be introduced, and are in particular filling material or cleaning agents, is particularly advantageous because it leads to the can filling taking place under optimized hygienic conditions.

[0043] Preferably, the filling tube comprises a filling tube side wall, which in turn comprises a filling tube inner side wall, a filling tube outer side wall and at least one hole, wherein the at least one hole is arranged in the filling tube side wall. The at least one hole is arranged in the side wall of the filling tube in such a way that the outer side wall of the filling tube is flushable with gases and / or liquids, in particular cleaning liquids. When open, the at least one hole serves as a drain opening for media (gases, liquids) introduced into the filling tube for gassing, cleaning and disinfection. If the hole is in the closed state, filling material can be fed through the filling tube without coming into contact with the outer side wall of the filling tube.

[0044] The gases used are CO2, N2, inert gases (e.g. noble gases), water vapor, etc. are used. Cleaning liquids can be acids, alkalis, water or disinfectants, which remove filling material and impurities and / or destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. without leaving any residue.

[0045] Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous, as the hygienic conditions are optimized by cleaning with gases and / or cleaning liquids on the outer side wall of the filling tube.

[0046] Preferably, the hygienic compartment comprises a lid slide.

[0047] The lid slide can be provided with a sliding and / or snap mechanism.

[0048] The advantage of arranging a lid slide in a hygienic compartment is that the lid slide has one or more lids and enables automated and therefore efficient and fast lid delivery.

[0049] According to a further aspect, a system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions, such as described above, there is also a seaming unit adjustment device. The seaming unit adjustment device is used to adjust the seaming rollers and / or to replace the seaming chuck. The seaming unit adjustment device is arranged outside the hygienic compartment and is in the form of an off-center screw, a slide, a screw, etc.

[0050] The setting of the seaming rollers and / or the replacement of the seaming chuck varies with the size and shape of the can to be filled, in particular the size of the can lid and the shape of the can lid. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust these accordingly when changing the can size or shape.

[0051] It is particularly advantageous if the seaming unit adjustment device is arranged outside the hygienic compartment. This makes it easier to adjust the seaming unit and also saves a lot of time.

[0052] Preferably, a tool or other auxiliary means are used for further operations on the seaming unit within the hygienic compartment, which is formed in such a way that it can interlock into recesses on the seaming rollers.

[0053] According to an alternative design of the device according to the invention, a platform on which a can can be placed is arranged in the hygienic compartment. When used as intended, the platform with the can can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening for the filling material. The hygienic compartment also comprises a casing arranged around the platform and a head plate. In order to be able to close the hygienic compartment, either the casing can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening up to the head plate or the casing can be attached to the head plate in such a way that the platform can be lifted into the casing.

[0054] The alternative design of the system according to the invention can obviously but not necessarily also comprise the seaming unit arranged on the hygienic compartment, which comprises a lid holder and seaming rollers, wherein a filling tube can be passed through the lid holder for filling the can, in particular a filling tube is passed through it.

[0055] In this context, closing the can means at least placing a can lid on the can. By holding the lid down on the can or by connecting the can lid to the can by means of common joining techniques, preferably by seaming, it is ensured that the can remains closed for further processing.

[0056] The cans to be filled and closed in this system are cans that are filled with liquid and / or solid filling material. Preferably, these are beverage cans which are filled with liquid filling material, in particular beverages.

[0057] A hygienic compartment is defined here as a compartment that is closed off from its surroundings and maintained under hygienic conditions. Hygienic conditions are understood here to mean conditions that correspond to at least hygiene class I as defined according to VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016). Preferably, the hygienic conditions are in compliance with hygiene class III or higher classified as defined according to VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016).

[0058] The lid holder can pick up the lid with the aid of a receiving mechanism and transport the lid to the can. The receiving mechanism can be a suction mechanism, a magnetic mechanism or a guiding system through which the lid is moved.

[0059] The platform can be solid and in the form of a plunger, but it can also be in the form of a lifting rod with a plate at the upper end of the lifting rod.

[0060] The advantages of the present system are that cans are filled and closed in such a way that their contents have a long shelf life and at the same time can be filled and closed very efficiently in terms of time. In addition, these conditions allow for pressure ratios to be optimized so that fast filling and lid application are possible even with foaming and dusting substances. An overpressure of up to 65 bar is used, preferably between 0-40 bar. This system is also very robust and allows for easy application.

[0061] Preferably, the casing is hollow cylindrical in shape. This has the advantage that, on the one hand, material costs are reduced and, on the other hand, a space-saving installation of the system is possible.

[0062] Preferably, the platform has a concave curvature for can alignment.

[0063] The advantage of a concave curvature of the platform is a secure stand of the can, which prevents the can from sliding.

[0064] Preferably, the casing can be brought to a sealing stop against the head plate.

[0065] This allows for the improvement of the conditions for hygienic filling and closing of the cans.

[0066] According to a further aspect, a system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions, as described above, additionally comprises a storage compartment for storing at least one lid, preferably at least two lids. The storage compartment is arranged next to the hygienic compartment. In particular, however, the storage compartment can also be arranged on the hygienic compartment.

[0067] The advantage of such a storage compartment is that a lid is available for closing a can and is automatically delivered to the can from the storage compartment.

[0068] Preferably, a lid in the closed hygienic compartment can be moved from a position next to the can to a position on the can above the filled can, in particular it can be pushed or pulled or pivoted by means of a movement device.

[0069] Delivering the lid onto the can in this way is particularly advantageous, as it enables the lid to be delivered onto the can automatically, thereby not only ensuring that the can can be easily closed, but also that the compliance with hygienic conditions is optimized during the closing process.

[0070] Preferably, the hygienic compartment has a casing arranged around the platform which allows for the hygienic compartment to be closed and a head plate, wherein the casing can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening to close the hygienic compartment and the storage compartment is arranged on the casing. The storage compartment stores at least one lid, preferably a stack of at least two lids. The casing and the storage compartment arranged on it can be brought to a sealing stop against the stop plate, in particular can be lifted.

[0071] This improves the hygienic conditions during the process of closing the cans.

[0072] Preferably, the storage compartment further comprises a feed opening, in particular a nozzle for adding a cleaning agent or gases; and an outlet for the discharge of liquids and in particular a drain valve for gases.

[0073] The feed opening is used to allow for cleaning agents from the storage compartment to enter. In order to maintain the hygienic conditions, the feed opening must be sealed off gas-tight from the external environment of the storage compartment. This can be an inlet or a nozzle, for example. The outlet, on the other hand, is used to discharge cleaning agent to the external environment of the storage compartment and must therefore be sealed gas-tight from the outer environment of the storage compartment. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a device such as a siphon, a valve or a container to be emptied.

[0074] The advantage is that the can lids are cleaned in the storage compartment, thus optimizing the hygienic condition of the can lids before they are placed on the filled can

[0075] Preferably, the storage compartment also comprises a lid separator, which in turn comprises a stack of can lids, a drawer and a slide for separating the can lids.

[0076] The advantage of this lid separation is that the storage compartment can be stocked with a large number of lids, which can then be quickly and automatically transported to the filled cans for closing.

[0077] According to a further aspect, a system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions, as described above, additionally comprises a feeding device for feeding cans to be filled and for delivering lids and / or a transport device for cans that have already been filled and closed.

[0078] Cans and lids are picked up in the feeding device with the aid of a carrier. The carrier can, for example, take the form of an active or passive gripper. The pick-up can occur in a radial or linear manner.

[0079] This makes it possible to quickly fill and close a large number of cans.

[0080] Preferably, the feeding device and / or transport device additionally comprises at least one conveyor belt for transporting empty or filled cans, as well as a can stopping device, which in turn comprises at least two expandable barriers. At least one expandable barrier is arranged on one side of the conveyor belt and at least one expandable barrier is arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor belt. In an expanded state, the expandable barriers stop the cans on the conveyor belt. In the non-expanded state, the expandable barriers allow the cans to pass.

[0081] The expandable barriers are hollow bodies made of an elastic material. When the internal pressure of the hollow body increases, it expands, while when the internal pressure decreases, the hollow body returns to its original shape. At the same time, the elastic material is sufficiently stable to be arranged upright on the sides of the conveyor belt when it is not expanded.

[0082] The expandable barriers enable the cans to be stopped in a gentle and reliable manner on a conveyor belt, thus preventing damage to the cans on the one hand and guaranteeing uninterrupted stopping and moving of the conveyor belt and / or the transported cans.

[0083] According to a further aspect, a system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions, as described above, additionally comprises a seaming unit, which, as described above, comprises a filling tube for filling the can and at least one unit for closing the can. Depending on the filling tube position, the seaming unit is arranged above or below the inlet opening.

[0084] A lowerable filling tube can be used as a filling tube for internal jet filling, but the filling tube can also be designed in such a way that edge filling can take place and, in special cases, lowering of the filling tube for the filling process can be omitted.

[0085] This has the advantage that time-efficient filling and closing of the can in the hygienic compartment is possible.

[0086] The object is further achieved by a method for feeding a can to be filled into a filling position in a system as described above. The method comprises the steps:

[0087] i) Placing a can on a platform

[0088] ii) Closing the hygienic compartment and moving of the can to the filling position by

[0089] a1) lifting the casing; and

[0090] a2) lifting the platform or

[0091] b) lifting the platform within / into the casing.

[0092] Steps a1) and a2) can run sequentially, partially overlapping or simultaneously. A sequence in reverse order is also possible, i.e. a2) completely before a1) ; or a2) partially or completely overlapping with a1).

[0093] The advantage of this process is that it guarantees optimal hygienic conditions. The process is also very robust and easy to use.

[0094] The object is further achieved by a method for lid separation in a system as described above. The method comprises the following steps:

[0095] a) Placing a stack of at least two can lids in a storage compartment on a drawer

[0096] b) Separating the bottom can lid from the overlying can lid using a slide

[0097] c) Moving the drawer in a horizontal direction so that the bottom can lid falls downwards

[0098] d) Moving the drawer to the starting position so that the bottom can lid falls onto a feed support

[0099] f) Placing the bottom can lid on a filled can with a movement device

[0100] The bottom of the storage compartment, a carrier, a partial surface of a feeding or transport device or simply a hole through which the can lid can fall.

[0101] An advantage of this process is that the closing of filled cans is accelerated and the lid separation is automatic.

[0102] The object is further achieved by a method for feeding and discharging cans and can lids by means of a feeding device or transport device in an system as described above. The method comprises the steps:

[0103] a) Simultaneous or sequential reception of a can and a can lid into a feeding device

[0104] b) Simultaneous or sequential rotational movement of the can to a hygienic compartment and of the can lid to a storage compartment

[0105] c) Filling the can

[0106] d) Linear or rotational movement and placement of the can lid on the filled can

[0107] e) Closing of the filled can with the can lid

[0108] f) Linear or rotational movement of the filled and closed can to an ejection position

[0109] g) Ejection of the filled and closed can.

[0110] The advantage of this process is fast filling and closing of closing cans in large numbers.

[0111] The invention is explained further below with reference to embodiments in figures.

[0112] FIG. 1: Schematic representation of a lid holder and of a filling tube in a first embodiment,

[0113] FIG. 1a: Schematic representation of a shut-off device in a filling tube in a first embodiment,

[0114] FIG. 1b: Schematic representation of a shut-off device in a filling tube in a second embodiment,

[0115] FIG. 1c: Schematic representation of a shut-off device in a filling tube in a third embodiment,

[0116] FIG. 1d: Schematic representation of a shut-off device in a filling tube in a fourth embodiment,

[0117] FIG. 2: Schematic representation of a system in a first embodiment,

[0118] FIG. 3: Schematic representation of a system in a second embodiment,

[0119] FIG. 4: Schematic representation of a system in a third embodiment,

[0120] FIG. 5a: Schematic representation of a system in a fourth embodiment in a top view,

[0121] FIG. 5b: Schematic representation of a system in a fourth embodiment in a side view,

[0122] FIG. 6: Schematic representation of a system in a fifth embodiment,

[0123] FIG. 7: Schematic representation of a system in a sixth embodiment,

[0124] FIG. 8a: Schematic representation of a hygienic compartment opening mechanism,

[0125] FIG. 8b: Schematic representation of a hygienic compartment opening mechanism,

[0126] FIG. 9a: Schematic representation of a hygienic compartment opening mechanism,

[0127] FIG. 9b: Schematic representation of a hygienic compartment opening mechanism,

[0128] FIG. 9c: Side view of a seaming unit in a hygienic compartment,

[0129] FIG. 10a: Schematic representation of a filling tube outer wall flushing process,

[0130] FIG. 10b: Schematic representation of a filling tube outer wall flushing process,

[0131] FIG. 11: Schematic representation of a system in a first embodiment,

[0132] FIG. 12: Schematic representation of a system in a second embodiment,

[0133] FIG. 13: Schematic representation of a storage compartment integrated in an embodiment of a system,

[0134] FIG. 14: Schematic representation of a lid separation process,

[0135] FIG. 15: Schematic representation of a feeding and transport device in a first embodiment,

[0136] FIG. 16: Schematic representation of a feeding and transport device in a second embodiment,

[0137] FIG. 17: Schematic representation of a feeding and transport device in a third embodiment,

[0138] FIG. 18: Schematic representation of a feeding and transport device in a fourth embodiment,

[0139] FIG. 19: Schematic representation of a can stopping device,

[0140] FIG. 20a: Schematic representation of a lifting mechanism in a first embodiment in a top view,

[0141] FIG. 20b: Schematic representation of a lifting mechanism in a first embodiment,

[0142] FIG. 20c: Schematic representation of a lifting mechanism in a second embodiment,

[0143] FIG. 20d: Schematic representation of a lifting mechanism in a third embodiment,

[0144] FIG. 20e: Schematic representation of a lifting mechanism in a fourth embodiment,

[0145] FIG. 20f: Schematic representation of a lifting mechanism in a fifth embodiment,

[0146] FIG. 21a: Schematic representation of a passive carrier for a feeding and transport device,

[0147] FIG. 21b: Schematic representation of a cam-controlled carrier for a feeding and transport device,

[0148] FIG. 22: Schematic representation of a system in a third embodiment.

[0149] FIG. 1 shows a lid holder 71 as part of a seaming unit 7 and a filling tube 73 of a system 1, which is used for the automatic filling and closing of cans 2. The filling tube 73 has the task of filling material into a can 2 (not shown). The filling tube 73 leads through the lid holder 71 and can be arranged both movably and immovably in the cover holder 71.

[0150] FIGS. 1a-1c show different embodiments of a filling tube 73.

[0151] FIG. 1a shows a filling tube 73 with a shut-off device 732 which, when used as intended, is arranged at an end of the filling tube 73 facing a can 2. The shut-off device 732 is vertically movable and serves to open or close the filling tube 732 and regulates whether or not filling material is let into the can 2. The shut-off device 732 is actively raised or lowered from the end of the filling tube 73 facing the can 2 during intended use and opens or closes the filling tube 73 with the seals 7341a arranged on an inner side wall 7341 of the filling tube. As shown, the shut-off device 732 can be formed in a wide variety of shapes, such as a cone, trapezoid, etc. The shut-off device 732 can also be actuated by means of spring force or pressure difference between the filling tube inner side walls 7341 and the hygienic compartment 3. This eliminates the need for a mechanical connection to the outside for opening and closing the shut-off device 732.

[0152] FIG. 1b shows a further embodiment of a filling tube 73. Here too, the filling tube 73 comprises a shut-off device 732 which, when used as intended, is arranged at an end of the filling tube 73 facing a can 2. The shut-off device 732 can be moved vertically and is used here as well to open or close the filling tube 732 and regulates the inlet of filling material into the can 2. The shut-off device 732 is actively raised or lowered to open or close the end of the filling tube 73 facing the can 2 during intended use.

[0153] FIG. 1c shows a further embodiment of a filling tube 73. A steering device 731 is shown at an end of the filling tube 73 facing a can 2 during intended use. The steering device 731 has the task of converting a turbulent flow of filling material into a laminar flow in order to reduce splashing and / or foaming as much as possible when filling the can 2 with filling material. This is a static steering device 731.

[0154] FIG. 1d shows a further embodiment of a filling tube 73. Here too, the filling tube 73 comprises a static steering device 731 consisting of several tubes with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the filling tube 731.

[0155] FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6 and 7 show different embodiments of a system 1 with seaming rollers outside the hygienic compartment 3.

[0156] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a system 1, comprising a hygienic compartment 3, a seaming unit 7 and a seal 32, which seals the hygienic compartment at the top when closed. Furthermore, a lifting device (not shown here or in the following FIGS. 3-7) can be provided for raising and lowering a can 2. The seaming unit 7 comprises a lid holder 71 and seaming rollers 72. The lid holder 71 is located inside the hygienic compartment 3. In preparation for the seaming process, the lid holder with the lid can be lowered onto the can; and / or the can is lifted in the direction of the lid holder by means of the lifting device (this also applies to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-7). The seaming rollers 72 are located outside the hygienic compartment 3. The lid holder 71 comprises a filling tube 73 which can be passed through an inlet opening 30 in the lid holder 71. A can 2 and a can lid 21 are arranged in the interior of the hygienic compartment 3, with the can lid 2 resting on a support 33 above an opening of the can 2. In this case, the seal 32 is an angled seal. The hygienic compartment 3 is opened to fill and close the can 2 with filling material. As the seaming rollers 72 are arranged outside the hygienic compartment 3, abrasion from the seaming process causes less contamination of the hygienic compartment 3.

[0157] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a system 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the embodiment in FIG. 2, but in contrast to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has a horizontal seal 32 and a support 33, which is arranged inside the hygienic compartment 3.

[0158] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a system 1. This system 1 is analogous to the system 1 shown in FIG. 2. Here too, a seal 32 for sealing the hygienic compartment 3 is formed as an inclined seal. In contrast to the system 1 shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 also illustrates a lid slide 34, which is provided to be at the upper attachment (not shown) of the hygienic compartment. Preferably, the lid slide 34 is arranged in a vertically fixed position in this embodiment.

[0159] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a hygienic compartment 3 of a system 1. The hygienic compartment 3 is sealed with a horizontal seal 32. A can 2 and a can lid 21 are arranged in the hygienic compartment 3. A lid slide 34 is integrated into a wall of the hygienic compartment 3. By means of a push or pull movement, initiated from the outside, the lid slide 34 moves the can lid 21 onto the can 2.

[0160] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a system 1 analogous to FIG. 3. In addition, a lid slide 34 and a lid retaining device 35 are shown here. The lid slide 34 moves, initiated from the outside, a can lid 21 onto a can 2. The lid retaining device 35 presses the can lid 21 down and thus reduces the internal volume of the hygienic compartment 3. The resulting in smaller internal volume of the hygienic compartment 3 means that any flushing processes with cleaning agent, disinfectant, protective gas, etc. can be carried out more economically, efficiently and quickly.

[0161] FIG. 7 shows a lid retaining device 35 in a further embodiment. In contrast to the variant shown in FIG. 6, an arm 351 is arranged on the lid retaining device 35 with which a can lid 21 can be moved to a can. This arrangement has the advantage that the lid slide does not have to be moved along with the shell.

[0162] FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b and 9c schematically show the opening of the hygienic compartment 3 for closing a can 2 with a can lid 21 by means of seaming.

[0163] FIG. 8a shows the closed hygienic compartment 3 with a filled can 2, over which a can lid 21 is pushed.

[0164] FIG. 8b shows how, with an open hygienic compartment 3, a can 2 with a can lid 21 is closed with the aid of two seaming rollers 72. The opened hygienic compartment 3 clears the way for the seaming rollers 72 to interlock the can lid 21 with the can 2 by means of seaming.

[0165] FIGS. 9a and 9b show in more detail the closing of the hygienic compartment 3 for filling a can 2, the opening of the hygienic compartment 3 and the closing of the can 2 with the can lid 21. Upon closing of the hygienic compartment 3 in FIG. 9a, seals 36 are pressed against an inner wall of the hygienic compartment 3 by gas-generated overpressure.

[0166] FIG. 9c shows the arrangement of the seaming rollers 72 from FIGS. 9a and 9b shown from the side.

[0167] FIGS. 10a and 10b show a flushing process of a filling tube outer side wall 7342 of a filling tube 73 movable in a lid holder 71. The filling tube comprises a filling tube side wall 734, which in turn comprises an inner side wall 7341 of the filling tube, the outer side wall 7342 of the filling tube and a hole 7343. Instead of one hole 7343, the filling tube side wall 734 can also comprise several holes 7343. A cavity 712 is located between the filling tube 73, the lid holder 71 and seals 711. If the filling tube is now moved vertically in the lid holder 71 so that the hole 7343 in the filling tube side wall 7342 is located in an area between the seals 711, as shown in FIG. 10b, then the flushing process can begin. The cavity 712 is flooded with cleaning agent, disinfectant, protective gases, etc., which is then fed through the hole 7343 into the filling tube 73 and flows off.

[0168] A system 1 shown in FIG. 11 is used for the automatic filling and closing of cans 2. The system 1 comprises a hygienic compartment 3, a platform 31 on which a can 2 can be placed (can not shown here, see FIG. 2), a casing 32 and a head plate 33. In the first step, the platform 31 lifts the can 2 and moves it in the direction of the head plate 33. This movement serves to position the can (2) to the level required for the subsequent filling process. This movement can also be omitted in special arrangements. In a second step the casing 32 arranged around the platform 31 moves in the direction of 33 as well, until the casing 32 stops to form a sealing stop against the head plate 33. The two steps can also be carried out in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0169] FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of the system 1 for the automatic filling and closing of cans 2. Here it is shown how a can 2 is moved on a concavely curved platform 31 in the direction of a head plate 33 (not shown here, see FIG. 11), up until the can 2 reaches a sealing stop against the head plate 33. In a second step, filling material is then filled into the can 2 through an inlet opening 30 integrated into the head plate 33.

[0170] In FIG. 13, a storage compartment 5 integrated in a system 1 is shown. The storage compartment 5 is arranged on a hygienic compartment 3 and stores a can lid 21. In a first step, a can 2 is moved on a platform 31 in the direction of a head plate 33. In a second step, the casing 32 with the storage compartment 5 arranged on it follows up until it stops against the head plate 33. The can 2 is then filled with filling material (see FIG. 12). Subsequently, the can lid 21 contained in the storage compartment 5 is moved into the hygienic compartment 3 and onto the filled can 2.

[0171] FIG. 14 shows a lid separator 52 integrated in a storage compartment 5, which comprises a stack of can lids 21, a drawer 521, a slide 522 for separating the can lids 21 and a movement device 50, wherein the stack of can lids 21 rests on the drawer 521. In step A, the slide 522 is used to separate the stack of can lids 21 from the lowest can lid 21. In step B, the drawer 521 is moved away in a horizontal direction so that the bottom can lid 21 falls downwards. In step C, the drawer 521 is moved back to the starting position, so that the bottom can lid 2 falls onto the feed support 523, in this case in the form of the base of the storage compartment 5, from where it is then, in step D, by means of the movement device 50 placed on a filled can 2 or on the feed support 523.

[0172] FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 show different design variants of a feeding 6 and transport device 6a.

[0173] FIG. 15 shows a feeding device 6 with two rotationally symmetrical carriers 64. In one of the two carriers 64 on the one side a can 2 is picked up in step A while the other three carriers 64 remain unoccupied. In step B, the feeding device rotates by 90° and moves the can 2 along with it. In step C, a can end 21 is picked up in the second carrier 64 on the same side. This carrier 64 can also serve as a feed support 523 for a lid separator, as shown in FIG. 14. In step D, the feeding device 6 rotates again by 90° and moves the can 2 and the can lid 21 along with it. Here, the can 2 is placed on a platform 31 and the lid 21 is placed on a can lid support 53. In step E, the feeding device 6 rotates by 90°in the opposite direction, while the can 2 and the lid 21 are not moved and remain on the platform 31 and the can lid support 53. The can 2 is now filled with filling material. In a further step, the lid 21 is pushed onto the filled can 2 and the can 2 is closed. In step F, the feeding device rotates again by 90°in the original direction and a filled can 21 is received again on one side in one of the two carriers 64. On the other side, another unfilled can 2 is picked up in another carrier 64. In step G, the feeding device 6 is rotated by 90° again and another lid 21 is received by the still free carrier 64 on the side of the unfilled can 2. After another 90° rotation in step H, the filled can 2 is ejected, for example by dropping it through an opening in the table. Now steps D to H are repeated again.

[0174] FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of a feeding device 6. The cans 2 are located in the outer positions, while the can lids 21, which are moved onto the filled cans 2 during the rotational movement after the cans 2 have been filled with filling material, are located on the feeding device 6. The support surface of the can lids 21 on the feeding device 6 can also serve as a feed support 523 for lid separation, as described in FIG. 14.

[0175] FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of a feeding device 6, which is a combination of the two embodiments in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0176] FIG. 18 shows a similar embodiment of a feeding device 6 to that shown in FIG. 16. In addition, a conveyor belt 61 for transporting empty cans 2 to the feeding device 6 and a transport device 6a for removing the filled and closed cans 2 are shown. Both the feeding device 6 and the transport device 6a are formed as a transport star. The transport device 6a comprises several units consisting of a platform 31 and a can support 53. The platform 31 accommodates one of the empty cans 2 and one can lid 21 each. The can lids 21 rest on the feeding device 6. After filling and closing the can 2 with the can lid 21, the filled can 2 is guided away by the transport device 6a. In this case, too, the contact surface of the can lid 21 on the feeding device 6 can be used as a feed support 523 for lid separation as described in FIG. 14.

[0177] FIG. 19 shows a can stopping device 62 for stopping cans 2 on a conveyor belt 61. The can stopping device 62 has two expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63 on the opposite sides of the conveyor belt 61. In order to stop the cans 2 on the conveyor belt 61, the expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63 are inflated by means of a gas, for example air. By reducing the passage between the two expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63, the cans 2 are gently held back. After the gas is released, the passage between the two expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63 becomes passable again and the cans are transported further on the conveyor belt 61. The advantage of the device is that the conveyor belt 61 can continue to run and the can can still be stopped and transported on again at the desired moment.

[0178] FIGS. 20a-20f show compact and force-optimized lifting mechanisms 8 for lifting a can 2 for filling and closing with a can lid 2.

[0179] FIG. 20a shows a top view of a lifting mechanism 8. The lifting mechanism 8 comprises two guide rods 81. A can 2 is arranged on a platform 31 between the two guide rods 81, adjacent to which, in the same plane, is a can lid 21 arranged on a can lid support 53.

[0180] FIG. 20b shows a lifting mechanism 8 comprising the two guide rods 81 and a pneumatic device 82, which is connected to a platform 31 on which a can 2 is arranged. The platform 31 is moved upwards by means of pneumatic device 82.

[0181] FIG. 20c shows a lifting mechanism 8 which comprises a guide rod 81, a pivoting element 83 and a tether 84 which is arranged in the guide rod 81. A platform 31 with a can 2 is attached to the pivoting element 83. The pivoting element 83 and the platform 31 attached to it with the can 2 are pulled upwards or lowered downwards by means of the tether 84.

[0182] FIG. 20d shows a lifting mechanism 8, which comprises a guide rod 81, a tether 84 and a gear mechanism 85. A platform 31 with a can 2 is arranged on the gear mechanism 85. The tether 84 is arranged inside the guide rod 81. By turning the connecting rod and the gear mechanism 85, the platform 31 with the can 2 is lifted by a threaded rod driven by a gear mechanism.

[0183] FIG. 20e shows a lifting mechanism 8 comprising a guide rod 81, a wire 86 arranged within the guide rod 81 and connected to a platform 31, and a spring 87 in contact with the platform 31. A can 2 is positioned on the platform 31. Mediated through pressure of the spring and release of the wire 86 the can 2 moves upwards. By pulling the wire 86 upwards, the can support 31 lowers.

[0184] FIG. 20f shows a further lifting mechanism 8, which comprises two guide rods 81, two pneumatic cylinders are arranged in the guide rods 81 and are connected to a platform 31 on which a can 2 stands. The two pneumatic cylinders move the platform 31 with the can 2 up and down.

[0185] FIG. 21a shows a passive carrier 64 for a feeding 6 and transport device 6a (not shown here), which advantageously does not need to be controlled. The carrier 64 is in the form of a gripper that can hold a can 2. The carrier also comprises a spring-controlled hinging mechanism 65. The carrier 64 first picks up the can 2 and moves it to a hygienic compartment 3. A casing 32 then slides upwards over the can 2 from below. The spring-loaded carrier 64 passively moves out of the way of the casing 32 and the hygienic compartment 3 closes.

[0186] FIG. 21b shows a cam-controlled carrier 64 for a feeding 6 and transport device 6a (not shown here), which is advantageously controlled by a casing 32 and therefore no additional actuation is required. The carrier 64 is again in the form of a gripper, which can hold a can 2 (not shown here). The carrier 64 also comprises a spring mechanism 66. The carrier 64 picks up a can 2 and transports it to a hygienic compartment 3. Then the carrier 64 is pushed to the side over a contour of the casing 32 as it is raised and the hygienic compartment 3 closes. The carrier 64 returns itself to the starting position by spring force.

[0187] FIG. 22 shows a system 1 which comprises a platform 31, a storage compartment 5, two guide rods 81 and a seaming unit 7. The system 1 also comprises four wheels 11 for flexible use.

Claims

1-26. (canceled)27. A system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygienic compartment and an inlet opening for filling material; wherein the inlet opening is formed on the hygienic compartment; wherein the system is designed in such a way that, when used as intended, one or more cans can be assigned to the hygienic compartment in such a way that it can be moved together with the can / cans in the system; characterized in that the system comprises a seaming unit, and the seaming unit comprises a lid holder and seaming rollers; wherein a filling tube for filling the can can be passed through the lid holder; wherein the filling tube is arranged movably in the seaming unit.

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the filling tube comprises a steering device in an end region at a filling tube outlet for forming a turbulence-reduced, laminar flow of the filling material.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the steering device is a static steering device or an adjustable steering device.

30. The system according to claim 27, wherein the filling tube comprises one or more shut-off devices or dosing devices.

31. The system according to claim 29, including at least one shut-off device for opening or closing of the filling tube, the at least one shut-off device arranged at an end of the filling tube facing the can when used as intended.

32. The system according to claim 27, wherein the filling tube comprises one or more shut-off devices or a feed element, one of the shut-off devices for opening or closing the filling tube or the feed element being arranged at an end of the filling tube facing away from the can when used as intended.

33. The system according to claim 32, wherein the shut-off device or feed element is arranged at an end of the filling tube facing away from the can when used as intended and that is formed in such a way that,liquids can be introduced; orliquids can be dosed; orliquids can be introduced and dosed; orgases can be introduced; orgases can be dosed; orgases can be introduced and dosed; orliquids and gases can be introduced; orliquids and gases can be dosed; orliquids and gases can be introduced and dosed.

34. The system according to claim 27, wherein the filling tube has a filling tube side wall, wherein the filling tube side wall comprises a filling tube inner side wall, a filling tube outer side wall and a hole, wherein the hole is arranged in the filling tube side wall such that the filling tube outer side wall is flushable withgases; orliquids; orgases and liquids.

35. The system according to claim 27, wherein the hygienic compartment is designed such that that the hygienic compartment comprises a lid slide.

36. The system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions according to claim 27, comprising a hygienic compartment and an inlet opening for filling material; wherein the inlet opening is arranged on the hygienic compartment; wherein the system is designed in such a way that, when used as intended, one or more cans can be assigned to the hygienic compartment in such a way that it can be moved together with the can / cans in the system; characterized in that the system has a seaming unit adjustment device for adjusting the seaming unit wherein the seaming unit adjustment device is arranged outside the hygienic compartment.

37. The system according to claim 27, whereina platform is arranged in the hygienic compartment, on which a can can be placed, and wherein the platform, when used as intended, can be lifted with the can / cans in the direction of the inlet opening for the filling material; andthe hygienic compartment can be closed with a casing arranged around the platform and a head plate;whereinthe casing can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening to close the hygienic compartment up to the head plate, orthe casing is attached to the head plate in such a way that the platform can be lifted into the casing.

38. The system according to claim 27, wherein a storage compartment for storing at least one lid is arranged next to the hygienic compartment.

39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the storage compartment further comprises:a feed opening for supplying a cleaning agent or gases; andan outlet for the discharge of liquids.

40. A system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygienic compartment and an inlet opening for filling material; wherein the inlet opening is formed on the hygienic compartment; wherein the system is designed such that when used as intended, one or more cans can be assigned to the hygienic compartment in such a way that it can be moved together with the can / cans in the system; whereina platform is arranged in the hygienic compartment, on which a can can be placed, and wherein the platform, when used as intended, can be lifted with the can / cans in the direction of the inlet opening for the filling material; andthe hygienic compartment can be closed with a casing arranged around the platform and a head plate;whereinthe casing can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening to close the hygienic compartment up to the head plate, orthe casing is attached to the head plate in such a way that the platform can be lifted into the casing;wherein a storage compartment for storing at least one lid is arranged next to the hygienic compartment;wherein the storage compartment comprises, in addition:a feed opening for supplying a cleaning agent or gases; andan outlet for the discharge of liquids.

41. The system according to claim 37, wherein the casing is a hollow cylinder in shape.

42. The system according to claim 37, wherein the platform has a concave curvature for aligning the can.

43. The system according to claim 37, wherein the casing can be brought to a sealing stop with the head plate.

44. The system according to claim 27, wherein a lid in the closed hygienic compartment is moved from a position next to the can to a position on the filled can by means of a movement device.

45. The system according to claim 38, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a lid separator, which comprises a stack of lids, a drawer and a slide for separating the can lids.

46. The system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions according to claim 27, comprising a hygienic compartment and an inlet opening for filling material; wherein the inlet opening is arranged on the hygienic compartment; wherein the system is arranged in such a way that, when used as intended, one or more cans can be assigned to the hygienic compartment for it to be movable together with the can / cans in the system; characterized in that the system comprisesa feeding device for cans to be filled; orlids; orcans to be filled and lids; ora transport device for filled cans; ora feeding device for cans to be filled; orlids; orcans to be filled and lids; anda transport device for filled cans.

47. The system according to claim 46, whereinthe feeding device further comprises at least one conveyor belt for transporting empty or filled cans, as well as a can stopping device comprising at least two expandable barriers; wherein at least one expandable barrier is arranged on one side of the conveyor belt and at least one expandable barrier is arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor belt arranged in such a way that the expandable barriers stops the cans on the conveyor belt in an expanded state and let the cans pass in the non-expanded state; orthe transport device comprises at least one conveyor belt for transporting empty or filled cans, as well as a can stopping device, comprising at least two expandable barriers; wherein at least one expandable barrier is arranged on one side of the conveyor belt and at least one expandable barrier is arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor belt arranged in such a way that the expandable barriers stops the cans on the conveyor belt in an expanded state and let the cans pass in the non-expanded state; orthe feeding device and the transport device comprise at least one conveyor belt for transporting empty or filled cans, as well as a can stopping device, comprising at least two expandable barriers; wherein at least one expandable barrier is arranged on one side of the conveyor belt and at least one expandable barrier is arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor belt arranged in such a way that the expandable barriers stops the cans on the conveyor belt in an expanded state and let the cans pass in the non-expanded state.

48. The system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions according to claim 27, comprising a hygienic compartment and an inlet opening for filling material; wherein the inlet opening is arranged on the hygienic compartment; wherein the system is formed in such a way that, when used as intended, one or several cans can be assigned to the hygienic compartment in such a way that it can be moved together with the can / cans in the system; characterized in that the system comprises a seaming unit, comprising a filling tube for filling the can and at least one seaming roller for closing the can; and wherein the seaming unit is insert-able into an inlet opening.

49. A method for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions comprising the following steps:receiving a can and a can lid into a feeding device;moving the can to a hygienic compartment and the can lid to a storage compartment;filling the can;closing the can with the can lid;moving the filled and closed can to an ejection position; andejecting the filled and closed can;wherein an inlet opening for filling material is formed on the hygienic compartment; wherein the system is designed in such a way that, when used as intended, one or more cans can be assigned to the hygienic compartment in such a way that it can be moved together with the can / cans in the system; characterized in that the system comprises a seaming unit, and the seaming unit comprises a lid holder and seaming rollers; wherein a filling tube for filling the can is passed through the lid holder and is moved in the seaming unit.

Images